Do you want to survive in Korea? Here are some “do’s and don’ts” to live in this dynamic country.
Do
- Learn Korean
- There is a Korean class each semester, contact the graduate school office.
- There are beginners level books that you can borrow from the library.
- Youtube and other tutorial sites are also good alternatives.
- Use apps such as Google translate, it helps a lot.
- Try to interact and have Korean friends
- Abide by the rules of the country and society.
- For shopping, use the online shopping such as coupang and gmarket. Or use underground markets.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- Ramian/noodle is your friend, easy to get, to cook and eat. Don’t always eat it though. Too much is unhealthy.
- Harassment is a big issue, know the rules and laws.
- Read/research as much as possible about Korea.
- Age matters, try to ask or guess the age of your friends or other people. The way you take and interact, depending on the age of the person.
- Use the cafes, it is the best place to hang out, talk, study, in general anything.
- Understand and study public transportation. Life and travel are much easier once you know it.
Don’t
- Argue with professors.
- Talk to strangers, it may be offensive sometimes.
- Visit blocked sites.
- Be late for an appointment.
- Take the Stares seriously, you will get it a lot.
- Be picky of the foods: try to learn or adapt to eat the available foods, you will survive.
- Ignore the warnings from the government especially weather warnings.